Understanding spirituality in recovery from addiction: Reintegrating the psyche to release the human spirit

Abstract

We examine the psychodynamic processes at play in recovery from addiction and give particular attention to Bernard Lonergan's tripartite model of human beings, which differentiates within the mind two distinct dimensions—psyche and spirit. Our goal is to show that the changes that occur during recovery are a direct result of psychic restructuring and are not necessarily, vice versa, due to spiritual growth via relationship with some Higher Power, which some popular recovery programs emphasize as a requisite for recovery. To exemplify this claim, we examine in detail three key aspects of psychic restructuring that may result in subsequent spiritual integration: the reestablishment of a sense of self, the development of a sense of connectedness to others, and the ability to regulate emotions. In this article we do not intend to aggrandize or disparage popular recovery programs, but to elucidate the process of psychic reintegration and to clarify the genuine spiritual foundation of recovery, and to advocate a mature, self-responsible spirituality.

• Bernard Lonergan
• humanistic psychology
• mechanisms in recovery from addiction
• naturalistic spirituality
• spiritually focused recovery programs
• twelve-step programs

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.